Betting is entertainment, not income.

The basics

• Betting in the UK is restricted to people aged 18 and over.
• Every bet carries a real risk of losing the stake. Outcomes are not predictable.
• Never bet money you can't afford to lose.
• Betting is not an investment strategy and not a reliable source of income.

Signs to watch for

Gambling becomes a problem when it stops being entertainment. Common warning signs include betting more than you planned, chasing losses, hiding betting activity from people close to you, borrowing money to bet, or feeling anxious when you're not betting. If any of this sounds familiar, please reach out to one of the services below.

Tools you can use today

• Deposit limits: set daily, weekly or monthly caps inside your operator account.
• Time-outs: take a short break of a few days to a few weeks at any time.
• Reality checks: on-screen reminders of how long you've been playing.
• Self-exclusion: block your own access to UK-licensed operators using GAMSTOP. The exclusion can be set for six months, one year or five years.

UK support services

The following organisations offer free, independent and confidential support.

• GAMSTOP — free national self-exclusion scheme for UK-licensed online gambling sites.
• GamCare — free information, advice and counselling for anyone affected by gambling, including the National Gambling Helpline.
• GambleAware — independent charity coordinating support and research on gambling harm in Great Britain.
• UK Gambling Commission — the official regulator for gambling in Great Britain, including consumer guidance.

If you're worried about someone else

You don't have to be the person betting to ask for help. GamCare runs dedicated support lines for friends and family, and most local NHS services can point you towards specialist help in your area.